A FLAGSHIP training provider has enhanced its reputation as a leading centre of excellence after receiving an industry accreditation award.
Darlington College has become a Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) ‘Centre of Merit’ in recognition of its exceptional quality of provision of training and support to its students.
Alongside outstanding education delivery the award also recognises individual provider’s retention rates and the high performing achievements of students across all CIPS qualification levels.
Programme leader for CIPS provision Janine Crowther said: “It’s great that Darlington College has been recognised as a CIPS Centre of Merit.
“It really is a huge achievement to gain this accreditation and the challenge is now on for us to continue to maintain our high standards whilst also looking to the future to become a Centre of Excellence.”
Darlington College provides a range of part time CIPS study courses from level 3 to level 6 diplomas which can lead to a global passport to a career in procurement.
It also provides two modules accredited by CIPS to level 2 BTEC first diploma in business students, school leavers, allowing them a gateway into gaining a professional qualification for the procurement profession.
“There are some extremely well paid careers in purchasing – one of our former students secured a job with Betty’s Tea Rooms working with chocolate suppliers from all over the world.” said Ms Crowther.
“All areas of industry from hotel chains to building developments have a source process, from which they obtain goods and services, and this is critical to the success of any operation - especially in difficult economic times where it can make the difference between success and failure to a business.
“Its not a traditional career that many people leave school thinking about but hopefully we can now encourage our students to become the next generation of procurement professionals.”
Education network manager for the Chartered Institute of Procurement Esther Redman presented the college with its Centre of Merit certificate.
“We have 152 approved international study centres across the globe and 50 in the UK - not all of which are centres of merit,” she said.
“It takes a lot of hard work to meet the criteria needed to receive this award and I am delighted that Darlington College is now one of our merit study centres.”
BTEC first diploma in business student Caitlin Leonard, 17 of Darlington, added: “I had never really considered procurement as a career until I found put it was part of our business studies course.
“I think it could open up a lot of doors to try new things and provide me with the opportunity for an exciting career in the future.”
